Histopathology
Histology is the cornerstone of accurate and timely diagnosis in the cancer pathway, understanding the pathogenesis of various neoplastic and non-neoplastic diseases.
Histology is the cornerstone of accurate and timely diagnosis in the cancer pathway, understanding the pathogenesis of various neoplastic and non-neoplastic diseases. Unilabs is the largest independent provider of cellular pathology services in the UK. At our UKAS ISO 15189:2012 accredited Central London laboratory we process and report over 120,000 histopathology cases per annum. Although we have a high throughput we offer a unique and flexible service that centres upon a sub-specialist reporting and unrivalled turnaround times. Our clients also benefit from direct access to pathologists for advice and case discussion, and can access reports immediately via our web-based reporting system.
Whether it is a fully outsourced histopathology service or a short-term contract to address back-logs, Unilabs has over 17 years’ experience in support the needs of both private and NHS organisations.
Routine Histopathology
Unilabs offers a high quality routine histopathology service encompassing specimen receipt, specimen dissection, processing (including mega block samples), microtomy, staining and reporting.
We also offer services for the referral of tissue blocks for microtomy, staining and reporting as well as the reporting of stained/unstained slides.
Specialist Testing And Expert Opinions
Immunohistochemistry And Molecular Diagnostics
Unilabs currently work alongside Health Service Laboratories – Advanced Diagnostics (HSL-AD) and Sarah Cannon Research for all immunohistochemistry and molecular diagnostic testing, unless specified.
Please refer to the Additional Testing and Expert Opinions section of the website for further information.
Referral Laboratories
The following referral sites are routinely used for specialist testing and in instances where expert second opinions are required. Audits are carried out by Unilabs to ensure all referral laboratories used are accredited accordingly.
The below lists the referral site along with its speciality
| Charing Cross Hospital | Immunofluorescence |
| Moorfields/UCL Institute of Ophthalmology | Occular Pathology |
| Queen Elizabeth University Hospital | Specialist Cytology Services |
| Royal London Hospital | Renal Pathology / Electron Microscopy |
| Royal Marsden Hospital | Flow Cytometry |
| Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital | Bone/Soft Tissue Specialists |
| Sarah Cannon Research | Molecular Tests |
| Scottish HPV Reference Laboratory | HPV Genotyping |
| St Johns Institute of Dermatology | Dermatopathology Specialists |
| TDL-HSL Molecular Laboratory | HPV Subtyping |
The below lists the Referral Consultant along with their location and expert speciality field
| Dr Calonje | St Johns Institute of Dermatology | Dermatopathologist |
| Dr Poller | Queen Alexandra Hospital | Endocrine Pathologist |
| Professor Flanagan | Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital | Bone/Soft Tissue Pathologist |
Frozen Section
Unilabs offers a frozen section service to several hospitals and clinics across London and the South East. Frozen section biopsies are a common perioperative technique in which excised fresh tissue can be rapidly analysed by a consultant pathologist and communicated to the surgeon in theatre. The main purpose of the pathologist is to inform the surgeon whether the surgical margin is clear of malignancy. Booking our pathologists for frozen sections couldn’t be easier – just call our team on 020 7299 4490 for further information. We generally request a minimum of 24-hours notice for frozen sections, however, where possible we try our best to deploy a pathologist and a biomedical scientist for urgent/unplanned requests.
Mohs Micrographic Surgery
In addition to traditional frozen sections Unilabs provides medical and technical expertise for Mohs Micrographic Surgery. Mohs surgery is one of the many methods of obtaining complete margin control during removal of a skin cancer (CCPDMA– complete circumferential peripheral and deep margin assessment using frozen section histology). The Mohs procedure is micrographically controlled so it allows precise removal of the cancerous tissue while healthy tissue is spared. In anatomically important areas (eyelid, nose, lips), tissue sparing and low recurrence rate makes it a procedure of choice by many physicians.
The method involves excising tissue from the tumour base. The frozen section is then examined by the surgeon and/or the pathologist to determine whether or not the resection has been complete. Any residual tumour is mapped and re-excised. The process is continued until all margins are free from the tumour. In addition to the high cure rates associated with this specialist surgery, the frozen section technique maximises the likelihood of clearance while minimising the extent of surrounding normal skin that is removed. This means that the patient will be left with a smaller scar than if they had undergone conventional surgical options.
For several clinics we provide a comprehensive Mohs service whereby a consultant dermamtopathologist and a biomedical scientist are in attendance. Increasing more dermatologists are becoming trained to perform their histopathology analysis. For these clinics we provide experienced Mohs-trained biomedical scientists and laboratory support.
Tissue Retention
Gross specimens from reported cases will be discarded five weeks after reporting as per current Royal College of Pathologists guidelines.
Products of Conception
All foetal remains irrespective of origin will be managed in a respectful and dignified manner and in accordance with the Human Tissue Authority guidance. No foetal tissue will be disposed of as clinical waste. Any sample which definitely or possibly contains products of conception therefore requires consent for histological examination and notification of the mother’s wishes as to the preferred route of disposal.